The Three Rivers

Welcome to Frankfurt! Your Three Rivers cruise begins here. Frankfurt is a diverse & cosmopolitan city that lies on the banks of the Main river.  This mighty city is a mix of old and new sitting side by side.  Discover the countless, fascinating museums such as the House of Goethe, the Fine Arts Museum or the city museum or sit back and relax in the old town surrounded by beautiful old architecture and try the famous Apple wine.  Whatever your taste Frankfurt has something for everyone with its modern cityscape and charming old town and shopping streets. After settling in your cabin, which will be your floating hotel room for the duration of the cruise, a mandatory Safety and Information Briefing will begin at 6 PM.

Today you can get an early start exploring the splendidly restored Old Town of Mainz with its half-timbered houses and medieval market squares. The state capital of Rhineland-Palatinate, Mainz is famous for Romanesque cathedrals (such as the Mainz Cathedral with its lavish interiors), the Gutenberg printing press and fine wines. Tour the Gutenberg Museum, housing a replica of the 15th century Gutenberg printing press as well as two original Gutenberg bibles.  This charming wine-growing district is officially the “Wine Capital of Germany”. Savor some “Spundekas” (a spicy creamed cheese) with a local wine before heading back to the boat.

Delight yourself in the romantic ancient town of Rüdesheim at the foot of the Niederwald, famous for its wine and half-timbered buildings. Spend the morning sauntering down the renowned Drosselglasse, the narrow cobblestone lane in the heart of the Old Town. This pedestrian street is lined with charming shops, cozy wine taverns and inviting restaurants. Rüdesheim is enveloped with vineyards, earning it the reputation of the best wine growing region on the Rhine, some experts would argue the best in the world. It is especially well known for its Riesling wines. Visit the eclectic Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet, a museum of automated musical instruments.

Koblenz truly is a feast for the eyes with its backdrop of vineyards, forests and mountains. Snap a photo as you lean on the giant bronze thumb sculpture at Koblenz’s famous German Corner (Deutsches Eck), where the Rhine meets the Moselle River.  After leaning on the “thumb”, lean into history as you wind your way through the Old Town. Explore the French influence and ancient remnants of Roman walls. Stroll along the river promenade and roam the town’s romantic narrow streets, where you might encounter flower-filled parks, sidewalk cafes or possibly a weinstube (wine tavern). Sample a Moselle Riesling while drinking in the amazing atmosphere of the oldest wine region in Germany.

In the most romantic part of the Moselle Valley, where the river curves between two hiking paradises – Eifel and Hunsrück – lies the old town of Cochem. Even the Romans sang the praises of this remarkable landscape. It is true, a few things have changed since then, but the attraction has remained because the past centuries, above all the Middle Ages, have left their marks here. The magnificent Reichsburg, the big castle, situated on a precipitous rock high above the town, dominates the landscape. as it is one of the few castles in Germany, which was rebuilt in its original style after its complete destruction. The town of Cochem itself is a sight worth seeing, not only because of its narrow streets and twisty alleys, the restored half-timbered houses with the typical slate roofs, the historical market-place but also because of its medieval town gates, churches and walls.

Andernach is a quaint medieval town which lies on the banks of the mighty Rhine river.  This charming town’s history goes back 2000 years.  Discover the 56m high Round Tower which withstood an attack from the French in 1689. St. Mary’s Cathedral is a must see along with the Old Crane, the medieval Mikvah (Jewish ritual bath) and the preserved Old Town Wall.  Legends tell of the Baker Boys of Andernach who used beehives to save the town from attack. Visit the Haus von der Leyen City museum constructed in the 16^th Century and one of the most beautiful buildings in Andernach.

Remagen is not only a beautiful riverside resort but an important historical town with a fascinating past.  The main attraction is the museum dedicated to peace which is sited in one of the last remaining bridge towers. In 1945 the Ludendorff Bridge was one of the last two remaining bridges across the river Rhine in Germany when it was captured during the Battle of Remagen by United States Army forces during the closing weeks of World II.  The Arp museum is a must for art lovers or follow the twelve stations of the cross on a short uphill hike to the stunning Apollinaris church.

Konigswinter is a popular resort in the Seven Hills mountain range topped by the ruins of Drachenfels castle, a national park. The Drachenfels(“Dragon’s Rock”), a hill 1,053 feet (321 meters) high, is crowned by the ruined castle built in the 12th century by the archbishop of Cologne and destroyed by the French in the 17th century. According to the Nibelungen legends, the Drachenloch (“Dragon’s Cave”) in the hill sheltered the dragon slain by the hero Siegfried.  Travelers can either hike up the mountain to savor the views across the Rhine Valley or travel the railway to the top with a stop at the fairy tale Drachenburg castle in the clouds which has been likened to a medieval castle, Gothic Cathedral, and Big Ben. All in all, visitors are enchanted with the folklore and fabulous views of this sleepy little town.

Tickets for Drachenfels castle, click here.

Once a Roman settlement, Bonn is a very relaxed city considering it was once the German Capital.  Full of attractions such as the Fine Arts Museum, the German museum, the Natural History Museum, most of which are contained in the museum mile, Bonn will truly delight. Bonn is also the birthplace of Ludwig van Beethoven and is therefore devoted to his music and life works.  A visit to his house is a must! The Romanesque medieval cathedral towers over the city and is a delight. The university city of Bonn is a must see.

Awaken your senses in the 2,000 year-old city of Cologne. One of Germany’s largest cities and the capital of the Rhineland, Cologne straddles both sides of the Rhine and is Gothic cathedral. Peer up at the soaring twin spires of the Cologne Cathedral (Germany’s largest cathedral and a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and to really get your blood pumping climb the 533 steps of the south tower for a panoramic view of the city and the Rhine. Tantalize your taste buds at the Cologne’s most popular museum, Imhoff Chocolate Museum. Follow your nose to the quirky Farina Fragrance Museum (advance reservations recommended), smelling the scent that put Cologne on the map. You might also choose to spend your afternoon & evening exploring the Roman ruins and the Old Town abounding with shops, cafes & taverns (try a Kölsch pale lager, locally brewed for over a hundred years).

Your cruise comes to an end in the picturesque city of Dusseldorf. Depart after breakfast, with freedom to explore this world-class city on your own. Dusseldorf is an engaging mix of ancient and modern, with medieval history and urban trendiness. As you take in the sites of this one-time small fishing village, you will understand why it is rapidly becoming one of Europe’s top vacation destinations. Begin your exploration on the waterfront street Rheinuferpromenade (“Rhine promenade”), which connects the historic Old Town with the MedianHafen (i.e. the modern harbor). Visit landmarks like the Rathaus (City Hall), Burgplatz, St. Lambertus Basilica and Rheinpark. Stroll the luxurious shops along the renowned Konigsallee, Germany’s most elegant avenue. With its beautifully restored houses, bridges, and fountains; the promenade is more than just a shoppers’ paradise but also an attraction itself. At the end of Konigsallee, you will find yourself in the tranquil Hofgarten, Dusseldorf’s version of New York’s Central Park. The park is home to the spectacular Schloss Jagerhof palace, a stunning reproduction of 18th century Rococo architecture. Complete the day in Old Town, locally nicknamed “the longest bar in the world”, with a glass of the local specialty Altbier. While this is the end of your cruise, your memories will live on from your Three Rivers cruise. Thank you for cruising with Teeming River Cruises, where vacations come first and memories last.